Customer Reviews

Inner Pathways to the Divine: Experiencing Your Spiritual Self Through the Tarot's Major

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I have explored the world within me for most of my adult life. Among all the studies I have examined, my least favorite has been tarot. Diane Toland has changed my mind, as she offers a fresh perspective on an ancient notion. Tarot generally offers "insights and explanations" of the various cards; even the best readers I have gone to, apply their insights to pre-established explanations, which, although not always the same, tend to be in proximity to the rest. Ms Toland leaves her opinions out. She describes the cards, the 22 major arcana, in descriptive rather than analytical terms, and she challenges the reader [student] to interpret the symbols and relate them to his or her own life. That is a major plus. Another is how the reader is asked to use the cards. Not as oracles, but as stepping stones to create one's own affirmations and actions. As the author of a "quest book," I see "Inner Pathways to the Divine" as a quest--a journey within--as the author does. The notion of self-exploration is appealing to me, and I would recommend this book to anyone whose life is not exactly what they want it to be, professionally or personally. It is simplistic in style and language, perfect for those who have never taken a trip inside themselves. Even experienced travelers will find the book charming, if not useful. How can one not benefit from a person whose raison d'etre is helping others? But don't just read the book. Too many "self-helpers" are well read, but make the reading an intellectual experience, often reciting the dozens of books they have read on personal development. If you want to succeed in changing your life, "DOING" must replace "THINKING." Here the author shines, providing the student with guidelines to create their own specific self-exploration and affirmations and actions. As an art lover, I particularly enjoyed her suggestion to employ art at the end of each chapter, and I whole-heartedly endorse her belief that, "Art touches the soul." More than a book on tarot, "Inner Pathways..." is a challenge to pay attention to one's life, making everything in our lives our teachers, when we, the students, are ready.

My favorite line in Diane Toland's insightful little Tarot book, "Inner Pathways to the Divine", made me laugh out loud and reads as follows, "Relegating the tarot cards to the role of fortune-telling is like using a samurai sword to make a sandwich." Spiritual warriors unite! In my opinion, her words ring true to the deeper intent of the Tarot's message, meaning and purpose.

Toland has devised a book which takes the reader through an experience of the Tarot's Major Arcana, incorporating the knowledge of each archetype into a personal relationship for the initiate. The reader is encouraged to explore each major arcana card through personal feelings, associations, and actions taken in the reader's life. Focus is maintained with an affirmation unique to the message of each tarot card. The lesson of each card is integrated further with personal expression when readers select a song, art, literature or film that relates to each archetype. Finally, a Tarot Mandala is created utilizing images that symbolize each Major Arcana card to the reader.

In this writer's opinion, most Tarot books read like recipe books with ready-made interpretations of each card which appeal to the mind's search for a quantified answer. This approach addresses the person from the neck up with insight, but does not allow for the querant's full body awareness and integration of the energy represented by that card. It leaves out the initiate's personal material, intuition, and shuns the great mystery with all it's unanswerable possibilities.

The Tarot is meant to be a wholistic experience. In order to make a lasting, and, possibly, life changing impression, the querant needs to have a personal experience of the card and it's lesson. Toland's book guides the reader through this experience with her compassionate wisdom. This book is highly recommended for those who wish to dip into the esoteric pool of wisdom deep within one's own soul.

What a unique and practical book on the Major Arcana! It provides detailed and comprehensive descriptions on each of the major cards. What is really unique and enjoyable about this book is the fact that the author goes even deeper after describing each card by adding sections such as "self-exploration" which asks the reader questions that spark your intuitive, creative and emotional side to see yet more different levels each card can take you in your own understanding. Also included is an affirmation that is a wonderful aid in bringing the card into meditation with you or to simply absorb the card energy affirmation exercise. "Action" and "Art" segments are also discussed. A very spiritual and warm read for those interested in exploring the major arcana more personally and in depth or for those beginning with Tarot who really want a solid foundation in understanding each card. Although this book is illustrated with the Rider Waite, which is why it gets a 4 star as opposed to a 5 star, although I presume because of the popularity of the Rider Waite deck, this is why the illustrations will appeal to a certain majority of rider waite deck owners/users. I think it could most definitely be used, irregardless of what you deck you have if you forgo the intro description of each illustrated rider waite image. The self exploration, the affirmation, action and art(creating your own tarot mandala) sections are worthy enough to get this book on these offerings themselves. Hopefully the author will consider creating another book on the minors to go with this one, as it would be of great interest to tarot study enthusiasts and tarot book lovers/collectors. Highly recommend ~*~

Diane Toland has come up with a great method for self-discovery with this book. Using the Tarot's mentors as references to the different aspects of the self, we are able to take a good look at our strengths and weaknesses. An easy and enjoyable book to read, Diane presents a step-by-step plan to improve ourselves with what we have discovered.You don't have to know anything about the Tarot to benefit from this book, and it doesn't matter what your religious beliefs are. Instead of using the Tarot as a "fortune-telling" device, Diane presents it as a tool for us to create a better reality for ourselves. The affirmations are great,too. Highly reccomended.

Diane Toland has come up with a great method for self-discovery with this book. Using the Tarot's mentors as references to the different aspects of the self, we are able to take a good look at our strengths and weaknesses. An easy and enjoyable book to read, Diane presents a step-by-step plan to improve ourselves with what we have discovered.You don't have to know anything about the Tarot to benefit from this book, and it doesn't matter what your religious beliefs are. Instead of using the Tarot as a "fortune-telling" device, Diane presents it as a tool for us to create a better reality for ourselves. The affirmations are great,too. Highly recommended.